Category: Z-Old Users (Page 29 of 50)

BOOK REVIEW – The Mad Scientist’s Daughter by Cassandra Rose Clarke

BOOK REVIEW – The Mad Scientist’s Daughter by Cassandra Rose ClarkeThe Mad Scientist's Daughter by Cassandra Rose Clarke
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

"Cat, this is Finn. He's going to be your tutor."

Finn looks and acts human, though he has no desire to be. He was programmed to assist his owners, and performs his duties to perfection. A billion-dollar construct, his primary task is now to tutor Cat. As she grows into a beautiful young woman, Finn is her guardian, her constant companion...and more. But when the government grants rights to the ever-increasing robot population, however, Finn struggles to find his place in the world, and in Cat's heart.

Slow and atmospheric, this book is nostalgia at its finest – the one we feel while looking at our past and our forgotten dreams – except Cat’s nostalgia wraps every part of her life : past, present, future. Readers have been saying that she’s selfish and thoughtless, going through life without never thinking about anyone else than herself, and yes, it’s true. I should hate her for it, and yet, I can’t. I can’t because the way she’s portrayed let me see how much her life seems… pointless to her.

“She felt like a seashell, pretty enough but empty and easily broken.”

When the only path leading to happiness is unthinkable, how to find the strength to care?

A better person might have found it. Cat is not that likeable person, and that fact itself added so much layers to the story. Who wants to read about a perfect character whose choices are always wise? Definitely not me. She uses people’s weaknesses to make her life easier, she lies, cheats and doesn’t think about the consequences of her actions. She’s reckless, and yet, the sense of doom constantly hovering over her head touched me and let me unable to hate her.

“Something inside of her – her calcified heart, her numbness – had cracked in two, and she was trembling and she thought, Here, this, this is what it feels like to feel something.”

Her life is filled with the tragedy of caving in. To the world. To other’s expectations. And while she loses herself along the way, Finn is the only one who can pick up the pieces of her shattered life. At what cost, though?

What makes you human? Is it your ability to love, to hate? Is it your consciousness?

Finn’s character brings all these questions to life – can I just say? He is a fantastic male-lead in my opinion and I’m not even ashamed to say that I fell a little more in love with him each time he made an apparition. Yes, he is an android. He is one of a kind and is crushed by the loneliness of it. His hesitations, his sensibility (yes, I realize how paradoxical it appears) resonated in my heart and made me feel so, so much. I adored him.

But above all that, this book speaks to me because of its undercurrent of pessimism. I know, it seems awful, but hear me out, okay? The way people are portrayed here, the way they act, the way they judge is so realistic unfortunately. Everybody wants to live in a world where differences are not an issue and where everyone respects everyone. If you know this world please tell me where it is, because it’s not the world I’m living in.

No. I’m living in a world where your sexual life, your genre, your job, your appearance, your origin are under the judgment of others, and if I don’t live my life to fulfill these endless expectations, I can’t deny that it is here. However, every day as a teacher I feel hope, and in the end, with Cat’s growth, that’s also what this book gave to me. Hope. It might seem cheesy, but to me there’s nothing more important, even more because my knee-jerks reactions are those of a pessimist.

The Mad Scientist’s Daughter caused such a visceral reaction in me – slowly building from the start, never wavering – that it will keep a special place in my heart. For that, I’m grateful.

BOOK REVIEW – Fuel the Fire (Calloway Sisters #3) by K. B. Ritchie

BOOK REVIEW – Fuel the Fire (Calloway Sisters #3) by K. B. RitchieFuel the Fire (Calloway Sisters #3)
by Becca Ritchie, Krista Ritchie
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Protect your family. At all costs.

It’d take the impossible to hurt Connor Cobalt, even for a moment.

Protect your family. At all costs.

At twenty-six, his narcissistic tendencies have made room for the people he loves.

Protect your family. At all costs.

And he loves Rose. But when his love is threatened, when his greatest dreams with her are compromised — what is the cost then?

Protect your family. At all costs.

Love will guide his choices.
For the first time in his life.

“Nowadays people know the price of everything and the value of nothing.” The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde

While I was gathering my thoughts about Fuel the Fire, I drew the conclusion that I needed to find a way to prevent me from rambling and adding a millions quotes. Yes, that happens with this kind of books. Favorites. You know, Connor said something that I found beautiful : that he was attracted by people‘s thoughts, by people‘s fire without never restraining himself in gender boxes, under a label. As I was reading the last page, smiling, I realized that what he said about people is also true when dealing with books.

A great book must make me think, feel, change my world during a few hours, and sometimes, it lingers. Considering how full of tropes the NA genre is, I repeatedly stated how rarely I found enjoyment reading it. It remains true. However, I don’t want to say that Fuel the Fire is a great New-Adult book.

No. It’s an incredible book. Period.

But before I start fangirling, as promised, here’s my bingo.

Now you can take everything in this bingo and multiply my emotions by 1000. I loved this book from start to finish, including its flaws (some repetitions of sayings, a tendency to drag at some point, several mistakes that should have been edited). So many passages made my heart beat in anticipation that I can’t hold a grudge. Except… except when revenge is involved, apparently : I let escape an evil little laugh that my boyfriend found *almost* scary (you’ll know when).

My heart is full. I am so proud of Connor and Rose that it’s getting ridiculous, but I don’t even care. They’re my perfect match.


Ps. After Hothouse Flower I didn’t think that I would read Ryke and Daisy’s next book, but I have to admit that I really enjoyed the dynamics between Ryke and the other characters here (especially Connor), so I might change my mind. Okay, I changed my mind.

BOOK REVIEW – Hothouse Flower (Calloway Sisters #2) by K. B. Ritchie

BOOK REVIEW – Hothouse Flower (Calloway Sisters #2) by K. B. RitchieHothouse Flower (Calloway Sisters #2)
by Becca Ritchie, Krista Ritchie
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

yke Meadows, meet Daisy Calloway ... she’s all grown up.

Twenty-five-year-old Ryke Meadows knows he’s hard to love. With a billion-dollar inheritance, a track-star resume, and an alpha-male personality—he redefines the term likable asshole. But he’s not living to make friends. Or enemies. He just wants to free climb three of the toughest mountains in Yosemite without drama or interruption.

And then he receives a distressed call from a girl in Paris—a girl that he has never been allowed to have.

Daisy Calloway is eighteen. Finally. With her newfound independence, she can say goodbye to her overbearing mother and continue her modeling career. Next stop, Paris. Fashion Week begins with a bang, and Daisy uncovers the ugly reality of the industry. She wants to prove to her family that she can live on her own, but when everything spirals out of control, she turns to Ryke to keep her secrets.

As Daisy struggles to make sense of this new world and her freedom, she pushes the limits and fearlessly rides the edge. Ryke knows there’s deep hurt beneath every impulsive action. He must keep up with Daisy, and if he lets her go, her favorite motto—“live as if you’ll die today”—may just come true.

Trigger Warning : I chose to write this review as Ryke’s, therefore there will be a lot of cursing. Sorry about that.

The romance

Ryke and Daisy’s story started as a fucking surprise for me : I didn’t expect to like them that fucking much, but during the first 50% I can’t deny that I spent a great time. The sexual tension between them was fucking off the charts and I couldn’t ship them more. I loved that they were friends and cared about each other so much, loved their complicity and their flirting. After Kiss the Sky I wasn’t sure that I would like these characters, but frankly? They grew on me, even if Daisy stays a little too dependent for my liking, and Rose & Connor stay my favorite by far, even in this one.

Connor,

And then when Ryke and Daisy finally had sex, Fuck. That was fucking hot. Okay, I forgive them the “I’m the only one to give you orgasms” line that was a little ridiculous.

The drama

Well this being said, excuse me but the obstacles to their relationship were fucking dumb in my opinion.

It fucking killed me to see the drama stretch and stretch and stretch around Lo’s possible reaction and I wanted to punch him in the face each time he would make them feel bad only because they were drawn to each other. Just grow a fucking brain and stop being selfish. Now, Ryke annoyed me as well with his “I don’t give a shit what people think” attitude. Look, I don’t like to justify my actions to others either, but sometimes you have to realize that people aren’t in your fucking head to know what you think. Ugh. Talk about useless drama.

The French

It’s starting to fucking spoil my enjoyment because I can’t help but cringe when I read them talking in French. I’m sorry, but asking a native speaker to check is not that hard. No French in his right mind would say something like : “Je serais génial, mais je sais ce qui me fait toujours obstacle”. It just doesn’t make any fucking sense. You don’t use génial to express how you’re feeling. Never.

In a word : More generic NA material than Kiss the Sky (yes, that would mean more stupid angst, more stereotypical leads and unrealistic scenes), but what I fucking loved in the first still owns the show : friendship, family and no girl hate.

Now, if you would excuse me, I’m going to wash my mouth and come back to Connor and Rose’s schemes in Fuel the Fire.

Ps. If you found the fuckings in this review annoying to read, I’m not sure that you will stand Ryke’s POV. Just sayin’.

BOOK REVIEW – Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

BOOK REVIEW – Everything, Everything by Nicola YoonEverything, Everything by Nicola Yoon
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

My disease is as rare as it is famous. It’s a form of Severe Combined Immunodeficiency, but basically, I’m allergic to the world. I don’t leave my house, have not left my house in fifteen years. The only people I ever see are my mom and my nurse, Carla.

But then one day, a moving truck arrives. New next door neighbors. I look out the window, and I see him. He’s tall, lean and wearing all black—black t-shirt, black jeans, black sneakers and a black knit cap that covers his hair completely. He catches me looking and stares at me. I stare right back. His name is Olly. I want to learn everything about him, and I do. I learn that he is funny and fierce. I learn that his eyes are Atlantic Ocean-blue and that his vice is stealing silverware. I learn that when I talk to him, my whole world opens up, and I feel myself starting to change—starting to want things. To want out of my bubble. To want everything, everything the world has to offer.

Maybe we can’t predict the future, but we can predict some things. For example, I am certainly going to fall in love with Olly. It’s almost certainly going to be a disaster.

Let’s be frank one second here : from the start I knew that (almost) whatever could happen, I was going to adore this book. Why? Because as you might know, I’m an absolute sucker for insertion of different mediums in a book, when it’s well-done, and I love using some of these mediums in my reviews. Annnnnd Guess what? It was the case here, and I fell in love with the concept before even starting to like the characters – I know, I know, I can be so easy sometimes. Am I weird? Maybe, but originality strikes a note to which I can relate.

Actually, there were so many different formats here that I struggled to choose which one I would use – let’s face it, I wanted everything : Maddie’s spy schedules, her hilarious spoiler reviews, her copybooks excerpts … Anyway, I chose to use Ollie and Madeline’s IM conversations because sue me, but they were my favorite parts through and through. I’m such a stalker, I can’t even.

Madeline : I’m not a princess.
Madeline : And I don’t need rescuing.
Olly : that’s ok. i’m no prince.”

Alienor : I’m sorry but at first you sounded one dimensional to me.
Olly : but i climb stuff!!
Alienor : Yes you do. I’m really impressed but
Madeline : I’m sick!!
Alienor : Yes you are but
Madeline : And I really love architecture
Alienor : I know! Good for you girl!
Olly : but when we message together it was funny right
Alienor : Yes it was but can you please use punctuation
Madeline : See Ollie! I told you it was annoying
Olly : you did but i just feel like not using punctuation and that’s my right for fuck sake
Alienor: Anyway – Now moving on guys

The fact is, if at first I found the characters pretty flat, I slowly grew attached to them throughout the story.

Madeline : Wait – you mean like you would in real life then?
Alienor : EXACTLY! Really, I felt like I was slowly becoming friends with you guys, and there’s where my first hint of love appeared.
Olly : even if Maddie gets obsessed over me pretty quickly?
Madeline : I’m not obsessed.
Olly : you so are
Alienor: Yeah, well, about that – you do grow attached quickly but I didn’t bother as much as usual because 1) It’s not an instalovish PNR way of falling in love, but 2) it’s a pretty accurate description of first love in my opinion. Of course we’re stupid and of course we’re obsessed! Come on! So, yeah. You grow attached quickly, but it’s not shocking in any way, as you sound like real teenagers through and through.
Olly : you don’t think Maddie is acting stupidly then?
Alienor : OF COURSE SHE IS, DUH. SHE IS A TEENAGER IN LOVE. But anyway, I can’t deny that when I reached the second part, I was feeling her despair and her hope, her angst and her joy. I cared. You’re young, you’re cute. I loved you together ♥
Madeline : So you don’t think I was reckless?
Alienor : You so were, and I’m warning you here, some readers will be annoyed by you for sure. Yes you took selfish and reckless decisions but really, who are we to judge? Would I be able to suffer life confined in a house without feeling reckless? I don’t think so, and luckily I’ll never know for certain. So, yes. I could have been mad at her sometimes. The fact is, I never did.
Olly : And me i mean you’re not talking about me
Alienor : Well, like Maddie you can appear reckless at some point but damn, you are adorable and I felt like I could relate because – sorry but – you’re not flawless by any means. So YES. You took some dumb decisions TOO. YES. You fall in love quickly. YES YES YES – no instalove though. Now that I cleared the air, let me say –
Madeline : He’s just so cute right?
Alienor : He SO is.
Madeline : And he can climb!
Alienor : That he can.

1
day I needed to finish it

2
characters who made me smile and feel

3
Scenes that almost made me cry

4
Stars I’m willing to give

WAIT – It’s not perfect then?

5
Number of fucks I give

TRIGGER WARNING : Domestic abuse

BOOK REVIEW – Kiss the Sky (Calloway Sisters #1) by Krista & Becca Ritchie

BOOK REVIEW – Kiss the Sky (Calloway Sisters #1) by Krista & Becca RitchieKiss the Sky (Calloway Sisters #1)
by Becca Ritchie, Krista Ritchie
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Virgin. Sex addict. Daredevil. Alcoholic. Smartass … Jackass. Her five friends are about to be filmed. Reality TV, be prepared.

Rose Calloway thought she had everything under control. At twenty-three, she’s a Princeton graduate, an Academic Bowl champion, a fashion designer and the daughter of a Fortune 500 mogul. But with a sex addict as a sister and roommate, nothing comes easy.

After accepting help from a producer, Rose agrees to have her life filmed for a reality television show. The Hollywood exec is her last chance to revive her struggling fashion line, and boundaries begin to blur as she’s forced to make nice with a man who always has his way.

Twenty-four-year-old Connor Cobalt is a guy who bulldozes weak men. He’s confident, smart-as-hell and lives with his equally ambitious girlfriend, Rose Calloway. Connor has to find a way to protect Rose without ruining the show. Or else the producer will get what Connor has always wanted—Rose’s virginity.


My rules
:
FUCK : I liked it but –
MARRY : This is why I’m melting on the floor
KILL : Are you really asking me what it means?

I barely ever read NA anymore but HOLY COW I’ve just been slapped in the face :

BROMANCE. Lo, Ryke and Connor put a huge smile on my face each time they argued or tried to catch a rat (yes, that’s a thing) or answered questions during their interviews.

FAMILY. Sisters power for the win. That’s all.

☑ Flawed and realistic characters I LOVED following.

Ice Queen Powaaaaaaa (sorry for being that enthusiastic. Just, I love Rose, even if she grits on my nerves sometimes. But hey, that’s what love is about right?) She’s relatable to me in a way heroines rarely are : I want it all, like her, and I have no fucking problem to express it. Ps. Just try to attack my privacy and you’ll see what happens. Just sayin’. I can’t express how many times she would say/think something and I would wholeheartedly agree with her. You go girl. You show them.

“So bring it on, motherfuckers. Try to hurt me. Because I won’t let you.”

Connor is the perfectly flawed hero for me.

“We haven’t formally met,” I say, holding out my hand. “I’m Connor Cobalt. The guy whose girlfriend you want to fuck. And just so you understand, the odds don’t look good for you.”

BUT SERIOUSLY! YES! I NEED CAPS! HOT. SMARTASS. DRIVEN. CLEVER. ARROGANT. LOYAL. PROTECTIVE. RESPECTFUL. GAAAAH he is PERFECTION.

Rose and Connor’s complicity, games, EVERYTHING. It brought so much reality into their relationship.

☑ Frankly, I thought that I would be annoyed by the reality show aspects but actually I enjoyed a lot how the fucked-up lies were handled. Also, these interviews? I WANT MORE. *giggles like a moron*

No slut-shaming but THE EXACT OPPOSITE. Considering that the heroine is a virgin, yes, that’s pretty amazing.

Hot sex scenes : a little rough but always respectful.

ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC.

✘ Just, I’m sorry Connor, really, but *whispers* your French isn’t quite right. I know many readers fantasized about him talking French and if I can’t grasp the appeal of it (obviously), I can imagine (I guess – well, really, I can’t, but I’m a nice person. Sometimes).

However some mistakes rubbed me the wrong way and spoiled my enjoyment a little bit :

✘ “Je suis passionné de toi “: Huh-Oh. This one enters the “not making any sense” category. Nobody would say that ever. So much that I can’t even find a substitute. “Tu me passionnes”, maybe?

✘ Repeated use of “Vous” to translate “You” when he talks to Rose : look, in French “You” can be translated into 2 words : “Tu” if you’re talking to one person you know or a child, and “Vous” if 1)You’re talking to several persons or 2)You’re talking to one person you don’t know/you have to show respect to like a policeman, your Boss, well, every adult you don’t personally know, really (I’m a “Vous” whore and I can’t say “Tu” to anyone except my friends, my boyfriend and my family). So, the fact that Connor uses “Vous” when talking with Rose is just plain weird.

So, yeah, it’s not fair, me being French and all, but the French addition is only… cheesy to me. Now you can hate me.

✘ If the characters won me, the book lacks a rhythm, a tension. Look, I’m okay with that to a certain extent : Kiss the Sky offers us slices of life and that’s what makes it realistic and enjoyable. However, I can’t deny that the story dragged during the second half and there was a moment I stopped reading to ask myself what exactly was the point. Am I turning cynical towards romance? It’s a possibility to consider.

✘ The jumps in the time confused me. Like, really. I found myself reading the wedding countdown and trying to calculate how many time passed between the different scenes. I know, silly, but sometimes the next chapter would take place immediately after the last one, and sometimes weeks would have passed, and can you please be coherent one minute because I’m lost right now?

✘ I was really looking forward to seeing Scott HURT. A lot. For a long, loooong time.

Final thought : READ THIS BOOK

In the end every one of these characters leave its mark on me, and my heart is purring, satisfied, full of laughs and love. I can’t wait to see more of them. This is the best feel, right?

Ps. I do know that I perverted the FUCK. MARRY. KILL game and that it doesn’t completely work. Frankly? I just don’t care. It cracked me up 😛

Ps.2 I didn’t read the Addicted series because I don’t do over drama but it didn’t prevent me for loving this one.

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